The neighborhood of Dublin : its topography, antiquities and historical associations

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Massacre at Carrickmines Castle, 1641

   near Carrickmines · street · Dublin · 1641

   After a breach was made in Carrickmines Castle, the besiegers slaughtered the entire garrison along with a great number of women and children who had taken refuge there, numbering some 200 to 300, before blowing up the castle.

   Read the passage

   Further reinforcements with artillery having now arrived, Lieut. -Colonel Gibson, the next in command, ordered a bombardment and general attack, which was met with desperate resistance by the defenders, but the superior numbers and equipment of the besiegers prevailed, and they at length succeeded in making a breach sufficiently large to effect an entry into the building. The first two that entered were killed, but they were followed by others who, acting under orders, deliberately proceeded to slaughter the entire garrison, with a great number of women and children who had taken refuge in the building, to the number of about 200 to 300 in all. The castle was then blown up. The besiegers lost about 40 altogether in this action.

   The authorities from which this account has been compiled are : — A tract, entitled The Last True Intelligence jrom Ireland, " (1641), and Borlase's History of the Irish Rebellion.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Carrickmines stood a castle that was destroyed in 1641. After reinforcements with artillery arrived, Lieutenant-Colonel Gibson ordered a bombardment. The defenders resisted desperately, but the besiegers prevailed and made a breach large enough to enter. The first two through were killed, but those who followed, acting under orders, slaughtered the entire garrison along with a great number of women and children who had taken refuge inside, about 200 to 300 in all. The castle was then blown up. The besiegers lost about 40 men in the action. The account is drawn from a 1641 tract called "The Last True Intelligence from Ireland" and Borlase's History of the Irish Rebellion.

2. Clarendon's account: quarter given then broken at Carrickmines

   near Carrickmines · street · Dublin · 1641

   According to Clarendon's History, quarter had been given by Lt.-Col. Gibson to those in Carrickmines Castle, yet about 350 people, mostly women and children, were put to the sword; Col. Washington's attempt to save a child failed.

   Read the passage

   In Lord Clarendon's History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in Ireland (p. 343), however, it is stated that quarter had been given by Lt.-Col. Gibson before the slaughter : — " After " quarter given by Lt.-Col. Gibson, to those of the Castle " of Carrigmayne, they were all put to the sword, being about " three hundred and fifty, most of them women and children, " and Col. Washington endeavouring to save a pretty child of " seven years of age, carried him under his cloak, but the child " against his will was killed in his arms, which was a principal " motive of his quitting that service."

   A totally different account of this siege is given in the

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Carrickmines stood a castle where, in 1641, one of the worst killings of the rebellion took place. Lord Clarendon's history records that quarter had been given by Lt.-Col. Gibson to those in the castle, yet they were all put to the sword, about 350 people, most of them women and children. Col. Washington tried to save a child of seven, carrying him under his cloak, but the child was killed in his arms against his will. Clarendon says this was a principal motive of Washington quitting that service.

3. Massacre of Bristolian settlers at Cullenswood, Easter Monday 1209

   Cullenswood · street · Dublin · 1209

   Cullenswood was the scene of a massacre by mountain septs of Bristolian settlers who had assembled for holiday sports, including a hurling match. Stanyhurst's 1584 account describes citizens ambushed while roaming unarmed, with about five hundred slain, giving rise to the name Black Monday.

   Read the passage

   " the citie to the woode. Where being intercepted by their " lying in ambush, were to the number of five hundred, miser- " ably slayne. The citizens, deeming that unlucky tyme to be " a cross or dysmal day, gave it the appellation of Black Monday. '■ The citie being soon after, peopled by a fresh supply of " Bristolians, to dare the Irish enemie, agreed to bancket yearly " in that place. For the mavor and the sheriffs, with the " citizens, repayre to the Woode of CuUen, in which place the " mayor bestoweth a costly dinner within a moate or roundell, " and both the sheriffes within another, where they are so well '■ guarded by the youth of the citie, as the mountain enemie -' dareth not attempt to snatch so much as a pastye crust from '■ thence."

   For hundreds of vears afterwards the colonists kept up the tradition of the tragedy by marching out on the anniversar\', thereafter called Black Monday, to Cullenswood, fully accoutred and armed, headed by a black standard, and formally challenging the mountain tribes to combat. In 13 16 the O'Tooles attempted a similar surprise of the settlers, who, however, sallied forth in numbers from the city, with their black standard, and routed their assailants, pursuing them for miles into the mountains. It has been generally stated bv modern writers that the actual scene of the massacre of 1209 is the locality known as " 7'he Bloody Fields," now almost entirely Duilt over, though some hold that this name originated with the Battle of Rathmines in 1649, when considerable fighting took place in the neighbourhood.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

   As the companion tells it

   Along here at Cullenswood, on Easter Monday in 1209, a massacre took place that gave Dublin its name Black Monday. Citizens of the city had come out to the wood for holiday sports, including a hurling match. They were roaming unarmed when mountain septs lying in ambush intercepted them. About five hundred were slain. Stanyhurst, writing in 1584, records that the citizens deemed that unlucky time to be a cross or dismal day, and gave it the appellation of Black Monday. After the massacre, the city was peopled by a fresh supply of Bristolians, to dare the Irish enemy. They agreed to banquet yearly in that place. The mayor and the sheriffs, with the citizens, would repair to the Wood of Cullen, where the mayor bestows a costly dinner within a moat or roundel, and both sheriffs within another. They were so well guarded by the youth of the city that the mountain enemy dared not attempt to snatch so much as a pasty crust from thence. For hundreds of years afterwards, the colonists kept up the tradition of the tragedy by marching out on the anniversary, fully accoutred and armed, headed by a black standard, and formally challenging the mountain tribes to combat. The actual scene of the massacre has been generally stated by modern writers to be the locality known as The Bloody Fields, now almost entirely built over, though some hold that this name originated with the Battle of Rathmines in 1649, when considerable fighting took place in the neighbourhood.

4. The apparition of Marshal Browne at Clongowes Wood, 1757

   near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1757

   On the day Marshal Browne died at the Battle of Prague in 1757, servants at Clongowes Wood saw an officer, bleeding from the chest, enter the hall and go upstairs, though he vanished and the two Misses Browne saw nothing. The family, convinced it was an omen, held mourning and a wake, and a fortnight later news arrived confirming the Marshal's death at that exact hour.

   Read the passage

   A most circumstantial story is told in the records of the family, of the appearance of Marshal Browne at Clongowes on the day of his death. It appears that while he was abroad, the house was occupied by his two sisters, who, on the day in question, were upstairs engaged with needlework. Opening of! the spacious hall of the mansion was a room, used as a laundr)-, which, on account of the necessary lire there, was a favourite resort for the servants. The door of this room, and also the hall door were open on this occasion, when the servants assembled there were much astonished to see enter the hall, an ofhcer, fullv accoutred, holding his hands to his breast,

   242 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 113

5. Wreck of The Rochdale at Seapoint Martello Tower, 1807

   near Seapoint · street · Dublin · 1807

   The Rochdale, carrying about 265 troops, families and crew, drove past the old pier at Dunleary and struck the rocks under the Martello Tower at Seapoint during the same 1807 storm; not one person aboard survived and mutilated bodies were found strewn along the shore.

   Read the passage

   The fate of The Rochdale was even worse. On the day after her departure she was observed from Blackrock, labouring heavily in the ofhng, burning blue lights and firing guns as signals of distress, but the weather was such that no succour could be afforded. She threw out several anchors, but thev dragged and snapped their cables, and she then drove with bare poles before the storm. Driven gradually towards the shore in the direction of Sandycove, she swept in the darkness past the old pier at Dunleary, and struck on the rocks under the Martello Tower at Seapoint, half a mile from where the Prince of Wales struck. Of the troops on board, their families, and the ship's officers and crew (some 265 in all), not one escaped, and their mutilated bodies were found in great numbers next morning strewn along the shore.

   When the ill-fated vessel was driving past the pier at Dunlearv, the inhabitants of the adjoining houses could hear the cries of the terrified passengers and the reports of the muskets which they fired to attract assistance. Some people on the east side of the old harbour seeing the flashes and hearing the reports, ran round to the westward in the hope of affording help, but on reaching the road at Salthill, they were obliged to lie down behind the parapet abutting on the sea to protect themselves from the bullets fired in the dark by the despairing troops on board.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 23

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Seapoint, the Rochdale was wrecked in the storm of 1807. She had been seen from Blackrock the day after she departed, labouring heavily, burning blue lights and firing guns in distress, but the weather was so severe no help could reach her. She threw out anchors, but they dragged and snapped their cables, and she drove with bare poles before the storm. In the darkness she swept past the old pier at Dunleary and struck the rocks under the Martello Tower here at Seapoint. Of the troops, their families, and the ship's officers and crew, some 265 in all, not one escaped. Their mutilated bodies were found in great numbers the next morning strewn along the shore. As she drove past the pier at Dunleary, people in the adjoining houses could hear the cries of the terrified passengers and the reports of muskets fired to attract assistance. Some who saw the flashes and heard the shots ran round to the westward hoping to help, but at Salthill they had to lie down behind the parapet to protect themselves from bullets fired in the dark by the despairing troops on board.

6. Wreck of the John Tayleur off Lambay, 1854

   Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 1854

   The emigrant ship John Tayleur, bound for Melbourne with 579 aboard, was wrecked on the rocks of Lambay in a storm on 19 January 1854 due to an incompetent crew. Only 282 survived, and most of the dead were women and children, many of them Irish emigrants.

   Read the passage

   The ill-fated ship soon afterwards struck with fearful force on a reef of rocks on the east coast of Lambay, between the

   WRECK OF THE "JOHN TAYEEl'R

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 135

7. Wreck of the Prince of Wales at Blackrock House, 1807

   Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1807

   On 18 November 1807 the troopship Prince of Wales, carrying about 120 volunteers for foreign service, was driven onto the rocks behind Sir John Lees' residence, Blackrock House, during a violent snowstorm; the crew escaped in the longboat but all passengers perished.

   Read the passage

   After the exodus of the gentry from Dublin and its neighbourhood consequent upon the Union, Blackrock fell rapidly into decay, and many of the large houses were untenanted or abandoned for years, until there was a slight revival of the place as a bathing resort in the early part of the last century. This neighbourhood was in 1807 the scene of a fearful tragedy, almost without parallel in shipping disasters on the Dublin coast. On Wednesday afternoon, the i8th November, two transport vessels, the Prince of Wales and The Rochdale, sailed in company of some others from the Pigeonhouse harbour with volunteers for foreign service drawn from Irish militia regiments. A snowstorm set in soon after their departure, accompanied by a violent easterly gale, and on the following morning they were observed labouring in the heavy sea outside the Bay to the southward, endeavouring, as it was believed, to return to the harbour. As the day advanced the snow fell so thickly that it was impossible for them to see their way, while the sea was so violent that they could not come to anchor. After a long and futile struggle, the Priiice of Wales was driven on to the rocks behind Sir John Lees' residence, Blackrock House.

   38 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 23

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, on the 18th of November 1807, the troopship Prince of Wales was driven onto the rocks behind Sir John Lees' residence, Blackrock House. She had sailed that Wednesday afternoon from Pigeonhouse harbour with volunteers for foreign service, drawn from Irish militia regiments, accompanied by another transport, the Rochdale. A snowstorm came on soon after they left, with a violent easterly gale, and by the next morning both vessels were labouring in the heavy sea outside the Bay. The snow fell so thickly they could not see their way, and the sea was so violent they could not come to anchor. After a long and futile struggle, the Prince of Wales was driven onto the rocks behind Blackrock House. The crew escaped in the longboat, but every one of the passengers, about 120 volunteers, perished. The material calls it a fearful tragedy, almost without parallel in shipping disasters on the Dublin coast.

8. Annual Black Monday commemoration at Cullenswood

   Cullenswood · street · Dublin · 1209–1316

   For hundreds of years after the 1209 massacre, colonists marched to Cullenswood on the anniversary, fully armed and led by a black standard, formally challenging the mountain tribes. In 1316 the O'Tooles attempted a similar surprise attack but were routed and pursued into the mountains.

   Read the passage

   For hundreds of vears afterwards the colonists kept up the tradition of the tragedy by marching out on the anniversar\', thereafter called Black Monday, to Cullenswood, fully accoutred and armed, headed by a black standard, and formally challenging the mountain tribes to combat. In 13 16 the O'Tooles attempted a similar surprise of the settlers, who, however, sallied forth in numbers from the city, with their black standard, and routed their assailants, pursuing them for miles into the mountains. It has been generally stated bv modern writers that the actual scene of the massacre of 1209 is the locality known as " 7'he Bloody Fields," now almost entirely Duilt over, though some hold that this name originated with the Battle of Rathmines in 1649, when considerable fighting took place in the neighbourhood.

   In ancient times the district south of Dublin was known as Cualann, and the wood which covered a considerable portion of it was known as the wood of Cualann, or CuUen, while the most conspicuous glen in it was called Glencullen. By the colonists the district appears to have been called Nova Colonia, Boscus de Colonia and Colon (Dalton's and Ball's Histories), the latter name being probably an Anglicised form of the native designation.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 80

   As the companion tells it

   Along this street is Cullenswood, where in 1209 colonists were massacred. For hundreds of years afterwards the colonists kept up the tradition by marching out on the anniversary, called Black Monday, fully armed and headed by a black standard, formally challenging the mountain tribes to combat. In 1316 the O'Tooles attempted a similar surprise attack on the settlers, but the settlers sallied forth from the city in numbers with their black standard, routed their assailants, and pursued them for miles into the mountains. The actual scene of the 1209 massacre is generally said to be the locality known as the Bloody Fields, now almost entirely built over, though some hold that name originated with the Battle of Rathmines in 1649. In ancient times the district south of Dublin was known as Cualann, and the wood covering much of it was called the wood of Cualann, or Cullen, with its most conspicuous glen called Glencullen. The colonists called the district Nova Colonia, Boscus de Colonia, and Colon.

9. Murder of Archbishop Alen at Artane, 1533

   Artaine · parish · Dublin · 1533–1825

   Archbishop Alen, fleeing Dublin by sea from the Geraldine's resentment, was driven ashore near Clontarf and took refuge at Hollywood's house in Artane, where he was dragged from his bed and brutally murdered by adherents of Silken Thomas. The old house was demolished in 1825 and the scene was traditionally shunned and fenced off for generations.

   Read the passage

   Leaving St. Doolagh's we pass through Balgriffin, in which there if. nothing of interest to notice, and continuing our journey along the high road, we pass in succession the villages of Coolock and Artane, the latter of which is memorable as the scene of the murder of Archbishop Alen in 1533 by the adherents of Silken Thomas. The unfortunate ecclesiastic, apprehensive of the resentment of the Geraldine, endeavoured to escape from Dublin by sea, but his vessel having been driven ashore near Clontarf by contrary winds, the Archbishop sought refuge in the house of his friend, Hollvwood of Artane. Here he was discovered, dragged from his bed, and, notwithstanding his entreaties for mercy, brutally murdered in front of the house in which he had taken shelter. This old house or castle was taken down in 1825, and Artane House erected on its site. The scene of this unhallowed deed, now covered by the buildings of the Industrial School, is traditionally recorded as having been for generations afterwards enclosed by a fence, overgrown by rank weeds, and shunned by the people in the locality.

   We next pass the small village of Donnycarney, and presently observe on the right the model Greek temple designed by Sir William Chambers, and erected by TiOrd Charlemont in his grounds.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 129

10. The tragic romance of Swift and Vanessa at Celbridge

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1713–1723

    Esther Van Homrigh, 'Vanessa', settled at Celbridge on the estate then called Marlay Abbey, where Swift visited her for years while secretly involved with Stella; upon discovering a letter Vanessa sent Stella, Swift furiously confronted her and she died of a broken heart three weeks later in 1723.

    Read the passage

    A few years afterwards, Vanessa's mother and two brothers having died, she and her sister came over to Ireland to reside at Celbridge on their estate, then known as Marlay Abbey, and now called The Abbey. Meanwhile Swift was paying his addresses to Esther Johnston, better known as " Stella," to whom, there is reason to believe, he was secretly married in 1716 ; but apparently tiring of her, he resumed his attentions to his former pupil, Vanessa, going constantly out to Celbridge to visit her at her house. This continued for about three years, when Vanessa, hearing rumours about her rival, " Stella," wrote to her to inquire the precise nature of her claims upon the dean. This letter Stella showed to Swift, who was so much exasperated thereat that he straightway rode out to Celbridge, and in a furious passion strode into the presence of the hapless Vanessa, flung down her own letter to Stella on the table before her, and walked out of the house without exchanging a word with her. Poor Vanessa never recovered from the shock, and three weeks after the occurrence died of a broken heart, in the thirty-seventh year of her age. She was buried in St. Andrew's Church, Dublin, in June, 1723.

    Vanessa's bower, where she and Swift used to sit and read together, is still shown in the grounds of the Abbey, as well as an old foot bridge also associated by tradition with their memory.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 109

11. Bodenstown Church, burial place of Wolfe Tone

    Bodenstown · townland · Kildare

    Bodenstown Church, an ancient ivy-covered edifice, is celebrated as the burial place of Wolfe Tone. The family tombstone is supplemented by a more recent memorial, the whole enclosed by a massive iron cage to protect it from injury or desecration.

    Read the passage

    Returning to Clane, we pass at the southern end of the village, the ruins of the Abbey, a large rectangular building, bare and unattractive in appearance. Continuing along the high road, closely following the green wooded banks of the Liffey, in about two miles from Clane, we turn to the left at Castlesize, passing immediately on the right Bodenstown. Church, an ancient edifice with an abundant growth of ivy, and celebrated as being the burial place of Wolfe Tone. The

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 113

12. Death of Sir Simon Harcourt at siege of Carrickmines Castle

    near Carrickmines · street · Dublin · 1641

    During the siege, Sergeant-Major Berry was mortally wounded in a sortie, and Sir Simon Harcourt himself was shot in the breast while exposed near a thatched cabin; he died the next day at Lord Fitzwilliam's castle in Merrion.

    Read the passage

    Harcourt hesitated to make the attack even with his reinforcements, and sent into town for further assistance. During the interval the garrison were not idle, utilising every opportunity that presented itself, by sorties and musket fire, of inflicting losses upon the besiegers. In repelling one of these sorties, early on Sunday morning, Sergeant-Major Berry was mortally wounded by a shot in the side. At this time Harcourt with some of his officers, had taken shelter behind a thatched cabin, but incautiously exposing himself to give commands, he was picked out by one of the sharpshooters in the castle armed with

    56 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Carrickmines, in 1641, a castle was besieged by forces under Sir Simon Harcourt. He hesitated to storm it and sent for more men. While he waited, the garrison inside kept making sorties and firing muskets. Early on a Sunday morning, Sergeant-Major Berry was mortally wounded repelling one of these attacks. Harcourt had taken shelter behind a thatched cabin, but he stepped out to give commands and a sharpshooter in the castle shot him in the breast. He died the next day at Lord Fitzwilliam's castle in Merrion.

13. Murder of Lundy Foot at Rosbercon in 1835

    near Rosbercon · street · Kilkenny · 1835

    Lundy Foot was fired at and received desperate injuries from which he recovered, but was ultimately murdered in 1835 on his estate at Rosbercon in County Kilkenny, suspected to be by relatives of the Kearneys though the murderers were never discovered.

    Read the passage

    Half a mile to the north-east is Orlagh College, formerly Footmount, now owned by the Augustinian Fathers, and easily identified by its spire peeping above the surrounding woods. This house was built about 1790 by JVIr. Lundy Foot, the celebrated snuff manufacturer, of Westmoreland Street and Essex Street, Avho subsequently altered the name to Orlagh. He was an active magistrate, and as such was instrumental in bringing to justice the three Kearneys, who were hanged at Bohernabreena in 1 8 16 for the murder of the gamekeeper of Friarstown. He was afterwards fired at, receiving desperate injuries, from which, however, he recovered, and ultimately was murdered in 1835 °^ ^^^ estate at Rosbercon, in the County Kilkenny, it was supposed by some relatives of the Kearneys, although this was only surmise, as the murderers were never discovered. His remains were some years afterwards removed to St. Matthew's Church, Irishtown, where a tombstone records the manner of his death.

    This Lundy Foot constructed the road from Ballycullen House to the entrance gate of Orlagh, and planted the fine woods around the house, as well as the trees on the roads adjoining it. After he went to the County Kilkenny, Orlagh was taken by Carew O'Dwyer, a prominent citizen and social figure in his div, \vho built a large banquetting hall in the house, and entertained with lavish hospitality.^

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 61

14. 1798 Rebellion outbreak near Clane and burning of Prosperous barracks

    Prosperous · town · Kildare · 1798

    The 1798 rebellion began in the neighbourhood of Clane, and at nearby Prosperous the barracks occupied by the North Cork Militia and 'The Ancient Britons' was attacked and burned by insurgents. Prosperous had been built only 18 years earlier by Captain Brooke, who established a cotton factory there but was ruined by the expense.

    Read the passage

    It was in the neighbourhood of Clane that the rebellion commenced in 1798, and at the adjacent village of Prosperous, the temporary barracks occupied by the North Cork Militia and " The Ancient Britons," was attacked by the insurgents and bunit. Prosperous had been built only 18 years previously by Captain Brooke, who established there an extensive cotton factory, but ruined himself by the expenditure. Portion of Clane Parish Church was burnt during the disturbances, and about the same time all the old parochial records mysteriously disappeared.

    In the early part of the last century there lived at Clane a !adv of considerable literary repute— Mrs. Griffith?, wife of

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 112

15. Colonel Monk storms Castleknock Castle, 1642

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin · 1642

    In 1642 Colonel Monk, later Earl of Albemarle, led Parliamentarians in an assault on Castleknock Castle, killing about eighty defenders and hanging many more after surrender.

    Read the passage

    Towards the close of the 1 2th century Strongbow made a grant of the lands of Castleknock to his friend, Hugh Tyrrell, a distinguished warrior, who, on taking up possession, built a castle and assumed the title of Baron of Castleknock, held by his descendants for three hundred years. In 13 17 King Robert Bruce and his brother Edward, ^vith an army of 20,000 men, encamped here, intending to besiege Dublin, but owing to the energetic measures adopted by the citizens, who burnt all the houses and buildings outside the city walls, the besiegers, deprived of all shelter, abandoned their project and marched on liimerick instead. In 1642 Colonel Monk, afterwards Earl of -Albemarle, with a body of Parliamentarians, took the castle by assault, some eighty of the defenders being slain, and many more hanged on surrender. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, in command of a Royalist force, retook the castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong force of cavalrj^ sent to the assistance of the garrison. The castle fell into decay about the time of the Restoration,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castleknock, there was a castle that stood for centuries. Towards the close of the 12th century, Strongbow granted these lands to Hugh Tyrrell, a distinguished warrior, who built a castle and took the title of Baron of Castleknock. His descendants held it for three hundred years. In 1642, Colonel Monk, who would later become Earl of Albemarle, came with a body of Parliamentarians and took the castle by assault. About eighty of the defenders were slain, and many more were hanged on surrender. Five years later, in 1647, Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, commanding a Royalist force, retook the castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong force of cavalry sent to help the garrison. The castle fell into decay about the time of the Restoration.

16. Delahunt's murder of boy Maguire and execution

    Pembroke Lane · street · Dublin · 1841–1842

    Later in 1841, a boy named Maguire was found murdered in Pembroke Lane; the informant Delahunt, suspected in the earlier Garlibardo case, was implicated by his own relatives, tried, found guilty, and executed on 5 February 1842, confessing to Maguire's murder but denying Garlibardo's.

    Read the passage

    A few days before Christmas of the same year, the Dviblin folk were horrified to hear of anothei^ murder, that of a boy named Maguire, whose body, still warm, was found in Pembroke Lane, at rear of Pembroke Road. About an hour after the body was discovered, Delahunt turned up at the police headquarters with the story that he had seen a murder committed at the spot, adding incriminating details as to the conduct of the victim's mother, but his strange demeanour and s'lifty answers excited the suspicions of the police, and he was detained. Inquiries being set on foot, a mass of damning e/idence was soon obtained against him, principally from his own immediate relatives, and after a brief trial he was found guilty and executed on the 5th February following.

    Before his execution he acknowledged having murdered the boy, Maguire, but denied the murder of GarUbardo. Many of the public, however, continued to believe that he was guilty of both murders, and that the motive was the hope of getting a reward from the authorities for evidence leading: to a conviction.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in December 1841, the body of a boy named Maguire was found, still warm, in Pembroke Lane at the rear of Pembroke Road. About an hour later, a man called Delahunt arrived at police headquarters saying he had witnessed the murder, and added incriminating details about the victim's mother. But his strange demeanour and shifty answers aroused suspicion, and he was detained. His own immediate relatives provided damning evidence against him, and after a brief trial he was found guilty and executed on 5 February 1842. Before his death he confessed to Maguire's murder but denied any part in an earlier killing, that of Garlibardo. Many people still believed he was guilty of both, and that his motive was the hope of getting a reward from the authorities for evidence leading to a conviction.

17. Massacre of refugees near Rathcoole, April 1642

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1642

    English refugees being conveyed from Maddenstown to Dublin were attacked near Rathcoole; rebels barbarously killed some and wounded others, though a servant was rescued by Walter Dougan before a retaliatory party under Sir Arthur Loftus burned a hillside of furze, killing men, women and children sheltering there.

    Read the passage

    A horrible occurrence took place here in the following April, as described in a letter from Colonel Mervyn Touchet to his brother, the Earl of Castlehaven, published in the Castlehaven Memoirs. It appears that in consequence of the disturbed state of the country, a number of English had taken refuge in Lord Castlehaven's house at Maddenstown, near the Curragh of Kildare, until it being considered unsafe for them to remain there any longer. Col. Touchet was directed to convey them to Dublin. This he apparently attempted without any escort, for when the party were driving in carts along the road near Rathcoole, to use the narrator's own words, " the rebels fell upon them, barbarously killed ' some, and wounded others, myself and one more escaping ' bv the goodness of our horses. But a servant of mine govern - " ing the carts, and being an Englishman, they took, and whilst ' they were preparing to hang him, Sir John Dougan's eldest ' son, Walter Dougan, came forth from his father's house with ' .'. party, and rescued him with the rest of those that were ' left alive, and brought them safe to Dublin, where I was got. ' In a few days afterwards the Marquess of Ormonde sent out ' a party towards the place where this murder had been com- ' mitted. I went with them, and coming near, we met Sir ' Arthur Loftus, Governor of the Naas, with a party of horse ' and dragoons, having killed such of the Irish as they met. ' But the most considerable slaughter was in a great straight ' of furze, seated on a hill, where the people of several villages ' taking the alarm had sheltered themselves. Now Sir Arthur ' having invested the hill, set the furze on fire on all sides, ' where the people being in considerable number, were all ' burned or killed — men, women, and children ; I saw the ' bodies and furze still burning."

    On the 2nd July, 1644., a small body of English were attacked and robbed of ;^200 by twenty Irish horsemen. The incident

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Rathcoole, you are near the road where a horrible thing happened in April 1642. The country was disturbed, and a number of English had taken refuge in Lord Castlehaven's house at Maddenstown, near the Curragh of Kildare. It was thought no longer safe for them there, so Colonel Mervyn Touchet was directed to convey them to Dublin. He attempted it without any escort. The party were driving in carts along the road near Rathcoole when, in Touchet's own words, the rebels fell upon them, barbarously killed some, and wounded others, himself and one more escaping by the goodness of their horses. A servant of Touchet's, governing the carts and being an Englishman, they took, and whilst they were preparing to hang him, Sir John Dougan's eldest son, Walter Dougan, came forth from his father's house with a party, and rescued him with the rest of those that were left alive, and brought them safe to Dublin. In a few days afterwards the Marquess of Ormonde sent out a party towards the place where this murder had been committed. Touchet went with them, and coming near, they met Sir Arthur Loftus, Governor of the Naas, with a party of horse and dragoons, having killed such of the Irish as they met. But the most considerable slaughter was in a great straight of furze, seated on a hill, where the people of several villages, taking the alarm, had sheltered themselves. Sir Arthur having invested the hill, set the furze on fire on all sides. The people, being in considerable number, were all burned or killed, men, women, and children. Touchet saw the bodies and furze still burning.

18. The chaotic revelry of Donnybrook Fair

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin · 1800–1855

    Donnybrook Fair featured food stalls serving herrings, corned beef, and bacon, whiskey punch at a penny a glass, and pots of promiscuous edibles where patrons paid to fish out food with a fork. The fair green was a scene of tumultuous excitement with fiddlers, pipers, and constant noise.

    Read the passage

    Some of the pots contained promiscuous edibles broken up into small portions— pigs' and sheeps' feet, potatoes, turnips, beef and mutton bones, etc. The proprietors then invited the public to try their luck at fishing out whatever they could with a long-handled fork, at the rate of " three prods in the pot for a penny." A roaring trade was usually done at this branch of the catering, which afforded great amusement to the onlookers.

    On the densely crowded portions of the fair green a scene of tumultuous excitement prevailed. On all sides might be heard the sounds of drums, bells, toy trumpets, brazenlunged hawkers extolling their wares, mingled with a cacophonous medley of fiddling, bag-piping and singing. Not infrequently perhaps a dozen fiddlers and pipers would be found in close proximity, each playing away vigorously and independently to his own company, producing a maddening discord of sounds, which, accompanied by the shouting, singing and confused din, rendered the place a veritable pandemonium.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Donnybrook, you're travelling where one of Ireland's most notorious fairs once took place. Between 1800 and 1855 the fair green here became what one writer called a veritable pandemonium. Stalls served herrings, corned beef and bacon, with whiskey punch at a penny a glass. Some vendors kept pots of mixed edibles — pigs' and sheeps' feet, potatoes, turnips, bones — and charged patrons three prods in the pot for a penny to fish out what they could with a long-handled fork. The green itself was packed with drums, bells, toy trumpets and brazen-lunged hawkers shouting over each other. A dozen fiddlers and pipers might play at once, each to his own company, producing a maddening discord of sounds that turned the whole place into roaring, singing chaos.

19. Villagers of Bullogge drowned fleeing soldiers in 1641

    Bullock · townland · Dublin · 1641

    Fifty-six men, women and children of the village of Bullogge fled by boat in fear after the burning of Clontarf, but were pursued by soldiers under Colonel Crafford and thrown overboard.

    Read the passage

    " In the same week [2 November, 1641] fifty-six Men, Women " and Children, of the village of BuUogge (being frighted at " what was done at Clontarff) took boats and went to sea, to " shun the Fury of a party of Soldiers come out of Dublin, *' under the command of Colonel Crafford, but being pursued *' by the Soldiers in other boats, were overtaken and thrown " overboard."

    The incident at Clontarf referred to is the burning of the village -by Sir Charles Coote in 1 641.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 30

20. Ballybough: isolated seaside village and burial place for suicides

    near Ballybough · townland · Dublin · 1800

    Ballybough was once an isolated village on the old coastline, protected by a sea wall from the encroaching sea. Down to a hundred years before writing it was a noted burial place for suicides, whose bodies were buried transfixed with stakes at a waste plot by the bridge, a spot many avoided after nightfall.

    Read the passage

    Down to a hundred years ago Ballybough was a noted burial place for suicides, the bodies being interred in the timehonoured fashion, transfixed with stakes, in a waste plot of ground adjoining the cross road? at the bridge. Notwithstanding the widespread belief that this barbarous process of transfixing effectually prevented these unhappy beings from wandering abroad at unseemly hours and alarming the public, not a few of the inhabitants in those days would have gone a considerable round rather than pass this unhallowed spot after nightfall.

    Pursuing our route across Ballybough Bridge and turning to the right, we enter upon the thoroughfare known as Fairview Strand — a name now strangely out of keeping with the place, though accurate enough in former times when the sea washed up to the road here, and the residents enjoyed a " fair view " of the bay and river, now shut off by the railway embankment.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Ballybough was once an isolated village on the old coastline, protected from the sea by a wall. Down to a hundred years ago it was a noted burial place for suicides. Their bodies were interred in the time-honoured fashion, transfixed with stakes, in a waste plot of ground adjoining the crossroads at the bridge. People believed this barbarous process prevented these unhappy beings from wandering abroad at unseemly hours and alarming the public. Even so, many inhabitants in those days would have gone a considerable round rather than pass this unhallowed spot after nightfall.

21. Burial of Tayleur victims on Lambay

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 1854

    About 100 bodies from the wrecked John Tayleur were buried in the little churchyard on Lambay near the harbour, and divers searched the wreck for treasure for a considerable time afterward. The bay where the ship struck was afterward named Tayleur Bay.

    Read the passage

    The inquest on the victims, which was opened a few days afterwards at Malahide, lasted three days, two of the bodies having been carried across from the island for the purpose. About 100 of the bodies were buried in the Httle churchyard on the island, near the harbour, and for a considerable time afterwards, divers were employed in searching for treasure sunk with the wreck.

    The bay where the vessel struck has since been known as Tayleur Bay.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 135

22. Felix Rourke of Rathcoole hanged 1803

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin · 1765–1803

    Felix Rourke, a member of the United Irishmen born in Rathcoole in 1765, fought in the Rebellion of 1798 and took part in Emmet's 1803 rising, for which he was hanged on 10th September 1803 from a rafter of the parish priest's house.

    Read the passage

    Eelix Rourke, a well-known member of the United Irishmen, was born in Rathcoole in 1765. His father was a farmer who kept the turnpike gate and a posting stage on the Naas road where Blackchurch Inn now stands. The son, Fehx, fought in a number of engagements during the Rebellion of 1798, and also took part in Emmet's abortive rising of 1803, for which he was hanged on the lOth Sept. in that year, from one of the rafters of the house of the Rev. James Harold, parish priest of Rathcoole, who a short time previously had been transported for supposed complicity in the rising.

    Rathcoole must have reached a low ebb in the i8th century, according to the description given by Campbell in his Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland (1777) :— " The " first village I passed through, about seven miles from Dublin, " Rathcoole I think they call it, was mostly composed of clay " huts, which are sometimes, you know, both warm and neat ; " but these were so awkwardly built and so irregularly arranged, " that even Wales would have been ashamed of them. It " hurt me to see them so near the capital, where the landscape " was so prettily chequered by abundance of little white " villas, spangling the country all round, and rendering it " upon the whole very delightful."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rathcoole, you are in the birthplace of Felix Rourke, a well-known member of the United Irishmen, born here in 1765. His father was a farmer who kept the turnpike gate and a posting stage on the Naas road where Blackchurch Inn now stands. Felix fought in a number of engagements during the Rebellion of 1798, and also took part in Emmet's abortive rising of 1803. For that he was hanged on the 10th of September in that year, from one of the rafters of the house of the Reverend James Harold, parish priest of Rathcoole, who a short time previously had been transported for supposed complicity in the rising. Rathcoole itself had seen better days in the eighteenth century. A traveller named Campbell, writing in 1777, called it mostly clay huts, so awkwardly built and so irregularly arranged that, as he put it, "even Wales would have been ashamed of them." He contrasted the village with the little white villas spangling the country all round near the capital.

23. Massacre of soldiers at Mulhuddart Church, 1690

    Mulhuddart · parish · Dublin · 1690

    Isaac Butler's 1741 account records that in September 1690 a company of Colonel Foulkes' men, sheltering from rain in the ruined Mulhuddart church, were murdered in cold blood by neighbouring inhabitants, with several perpetrators later executed in Thomas Street, Dublin.

    Read the passage

    In an account of " A Journey from Dublin to the Shores of Lough Dergh," written by Isaac Butler about 1741, it is stated in regard to Mulhuddart Church, that " Ye Church, " at present in ruins, is situated on a hill and dedicated to ye " Virgin Mary ; from it appears a most extensive and delightful " prospect into ye County of Dublin and Meath ; in it was *' committed a most barbarous and infamous action by some "of ye neighbouring Inhabitants in September, 1690, a Com- " pany of Colonel Foulkes men in their march to Dublin by " stormy and rainy weather, retreated into ye Church for " Shelter, but were all of them murthered in cold Blood before " ye morning, some of ye wretches were afterwards executed " in Thomas Street, Dublin, among ym Pat Moore, And. " Cannon, Ph. Strong, Jhn. Cummin, &c., others made their '■ escapes."

    " About midway ascending to ye Church is an excellent Well ; " it is carefully walled, and several large trees about it. Here " on the 8th September, a great patron is kept with a vast " Concourse of all Sexes and Ages from many miles, upwards of '' eighty Tents are pitched here furnished with all kinds of " Liquors and provisions for ye Reception and Refreshment " of ye Company."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 181

24. Onlookers at Salthill under fire during the Rochdale wreck

    Salthill · street · Dublin · 1807

    As the Rochdale drove past the old harbour, people ran from the east side toward Salthill hoping to help, but had to lie down behind the sea parapet to avoid being struck by bullets fired in the dark by the despairing troops aboard.

    Read the passage

    When the ill-fated vessel was driving past the pier at Dunlearv, the inhabitants of the adjoining houses could hear the cries of the terrified passengers and the reports of the muskets which they fired to attract assistance. Some people on the east side of the old harbour seeing the flashes and hearing the reports, ran round to the westward in the hope of affording help, but on reaching the road at Salthill, they were obliged to lie down behind the parapet abutting on the sea to protect themselves from the bullets fired in the dark by the despairing troops on board.

    The wrecked vessel was poised in an extraordinary manner

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 23

25. 1,000 Jacobite soldiers confined on Lambay after Ballymore surrender, 1691

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin · 1691

    After the surrender of the fort of Ballymore in Westmeath to General Ginkel in 1691, over 1,000 captured soldiers were sent to Lambay Island and confined there until the Treaty of Limerick, with all persons prohibited from passing to the island under heavy penalties.

    Read the passage

    In 1691, after the surrender of the fort of Ballymore in Westmeath to General Cinkle, the officers v.ho were taken prisoners were removed to Dublin, but the men, over 1,000 in number, were sent to Lambay where they were confined until the Treaty of Limerick ; all persons being prohibited from passing over to the island under heavy penalties. When the Treaty was signed, however, emissaries were sent by the Irish Government to discourse with the prisoners, A\ithout disclosing to them that their release was a condition 'of the 'J'reaty, and to acquaint them that if they would take

    2 H

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 210

26. 1171 siege of Dublin and the Anglo-Norman sally toward Finglas

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1171

    During the 1171 siege of Dublin by King Roderick O'Connor, Strongbow's besieged Anglo-Norman garrison, facing starvation, chose to break out toward the weakest point of the encircling forces between Castleknock and Finglas, catching Roderick's undisciplined army by surprise.

    Read the passage

    In 1 171 Dublin, then held by the Anglo-Normans under Strongbow and Miles de Cogan, was besieged by a great army under King Roderick O'Connor, while simultaneously a Danish fleet took up its position at the mouth of the I^iffey, cutting off communication by sea. For two months the army remained inactive in camp, maintaining a blockade which reduced the garrison to great distress, but without making any attempt at an assault on the city. Despairing at last of succour, Strongbow sent out the Archbishop to make terms with King Roderick, offering to submit if he was allowed to retain the kingdom of Leinster. To this proposition Roderick returned answer that Strongbow might keep Dublin, Wexford and Waterford, but no portion of Leinster outside these three cities, and that if these terms were not accepted, Dublin would be attacked next day. This reply so much exasperated the Anglo-Normans that rather than accept the proffered conditions, they determined to make a desperate effort to cut their way through the weakest part of the encircling forces, which they judged to be that between Castleknock and Finglas. Meanwhile King Roderick, relying on the strength of his army, had become careless, relaxing discipline and neglecting matters

    270 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 123

27. 1641 attack on Clontarf: village burnt, King's house destroyed

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1641

    In 1641 Luke Netterville and adherents seized and plundered a vessel at Clontarf, prompting the Earl of Ormonde to send Sir Charles Coote with troops who burnt part of the village and destroyed boats. They also burnt the house of Mr. George King, proprietor of the village, who was subsequently attainted and his estates confiscated.

    Read the passage

    In 164.1 Luke Netterville and some of his adherents having seized and plundered a vessel which lay at Clontarf, the Earl of Ormonde was instructed to take retaliatory measures against them. He accordingly despatched Sir Charles Coote with some troops to the neighbourhood, where they burnt a considerable portion of the village, destroyed all the boats they could find, and burnt the house of Mr. George King, proprietor of the village and manor. The latter act was all the more remarkable, inasmuch as Mr. King had been invited into Dublin but the dav before bv the Government, from whom

    Coastgujrd Station, North Bull. (1905-)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

28. Battle of Glenmalure defeat of English forces

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580

    Jacques Wingfield accompanied Lord Grey of Wilton on an expedition against the Wicklow tribes which culminated in the Battle of Glenmalure, where English troops entangled in dense forests were defeated by Irish clansmen under Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne and the Earl of Baltinglass.

    Read the passage

    The Wingfields, the ancestors of the Lords Powerscourt, derive their name from the manor and castle of Wingfield in Suffolk, of which the family was possessed before the Norman Conquest. Sir John Wingfield, Lord of Letheringham, served the Black Prince in the wars in France, and afterwards wrote a history of the campaign. Coming down to the reign of Elizabeth, we find that Jacques Wingfield was appointed Master of the Ordnance and Munition in Ireland, and in 1560 was commissioned to execute martial law in the territories of the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles. Twenty years later he accompanied Lord Grey of Wilton, on his ill-starred expedition against the Wicklow tribes, which culminated in the Battle of Glenmalure, where the English troops becoming entangled in the dense forests, met with signal defeat at the hands of the Irish clansmen under Feagh MacHugh O'Byrne and FitzEustace, Earl of Baltinglass.

    In 1600 Sir Richard Wingfield was appointed Marshal of Ireland by Queen Elizabeth in recognition of his services against the French at Calais ; for his further services in Ulster he was granted the district of Fercullen, containing nearly the whole parish of Powerscourt, and in 1 61 8 he was created first Baron Powerscourt.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 54

29. Burning of the Belfast Mail at Santry, 1798

    Santry · townland · Dublin · 1798

    In the village of Santry, armed insurgents barricaded the road, tricked the coach driver and guard into a house, then burned the Belfast Mail coach with its contents while a crowd of about a thousand watched nearby. The Attorneys' Cavalry Corps captured five suspects.

    Read the passage

    falling into the hands of a large body of the insurgents near Swords. The guard and driver believing them, dismounted, and, on being invited, entered a house, where they were detained while the coach was filled and covered with dry furze and set on fire, every portion of it and its contents being consumed, except a small remnant of the letters, which were taken back, half burnt, to the General Post Office. This outrage, however, seems to have been an act of war rather than one of highway robbery, as none of the passengers were either illtreated or despoiled of their property, and, accordmg to the driver's account, a large crowd, estimated by him at not less than 1,000 persons, was assembled on the occasion in the adjoining fields. The Attorneys' Cavalry Corps, which happened to be patrolling in the neighbourhood, captured five men suspected of complicity in the transaction, and took them to Dublin.

    On the 1 8th August, 1828, when the Derry Mail was on its way from town, a man intentionally drove his cart against it and broke one of the lamps. The guard gave the horse and cart with its driver into charge of the police at Santry, who, when on their way to the pound, were attacked near Coolock bridge by a party of desperadoes with the object of effecting a rescue. The police, outnumbered, fired two shots at their assailants, severely wounding tv/o of them, whom they arrested and conveyed, with the driver of the cart, to Dublin.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 119

30. Church of Esker and Father MacCartan's grave

    Esker · parish · Dublin · 1807

    On a sand hill overlooking Esker village stand the ivied ruins of an ancient church, probably from the 12th century, within which a shattered tombstone marks the grave of the murdered priest Father MacCartan, with a long epitaph recounting his murder in 1807.

    Read the passage

    " ment of their sincere regret for the loss of that Worthy '' Clergyman, by whose death Society was deprived of a Valuable " Member, and Religion one of Her most zealous Ministers. " Lamentable to add, He fell a Victim to the Sacrilegious " Hands of a Sanguinary Banditti, by whom he was Robbed

    Ballyowen Caailc. (1906.)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Esker, there are ivied ruins of an old church on a sand hill above the village, probably from the 12th century. Inside lies the shattered tombstone of Father MacCartan, murdered in 1807. His epitaph records that he fell victim to a banditti by whom he was robbed.

31. Donnybrook Fair as source of demoralisation and disorder

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin

    Donnybrook Fair, held annually on 26th August, was described as a major source of demoralisation for Dublin, drawing large sums of money withdrawn from savings banks to be squandered in drunkenness and gambling. Servants, tradesmen and clerks visiting the fair lost their money, situations and characters, swelling the ranks of the unemployed and drifting into crime.

    Read the passage

    FEW of the present generation have any idea of what a source of demoralisation Donnybrook Fair was to Dublin. Every year on the approach of Fair time {26th August), large sums of money were withdrawn from the savings banks in Dublin to be squandered in drunkenness, gambling and other dissipations ; all business was in a state of partial suspension for weeks together : every anniversary was signalised by numerous cases of personal injuries if not by actual loss of life, and in some instances even epidemics were ascribed to the Fair. Servants, mechanics, shop assistants, tradesmen and clerks visiting the plac?, were drawn into the vortex of dissipation, and losing their money, their situations and their characters, swelled the numbers of the unemployed in the city, and drifted thence into crime. The city magistrates made no secret of their opinions that when such an abomination was permitted in a civilised community, it was a reasonable ground for mitigating the punishments incurred by yielding to its numerous temptations. About a week before the Fair commenced, a number of

    461

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 200

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Donnybrook, you are travelling near the grounds of a fair once held every 26th of August that few now remember. Donnybrook Fair was described as a source of demoralisation for Dublin. Large sums were withdrawn from the savings banks to be squandered in drunkenness and gambling, and all business was in partial suspension for weeks. Servants, tradesmen, shop assistants and clerks who visited were drawn into dissipation, losing their money, their situations and their characters. They swelled the ranks of the unemployed and drifted into crime. Each anniversary brought numerous personal injuries if not actual loss of life, and even epidemics were ascribed to the fair. The city magistrates said openly that when such an abomination was permitted in a civilised community, it was reasonable ground for mitigating the punishments incurred by yielding to its temptations.

32. Donnybrook Fair chartered in 1204

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin · 1204

    Donnybrook Fair was established by Royal Charter in 1204 to compensate Dublin citizens for the expense of building the city's walls and defences, and became for centuries the most important fair in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    This Fair was established by Royal Charter in 1204 to compensate the Dublin citizens for the expense of building walls and defences around the city, and was for centuries the most important fair in Ireland. It is now, indeed, difficult to realise that the deserted, low-lying field on the left as we pass out of the village, is the historic ground where for over six hundred years was held the world-renowned Fair of Donnybrook, so famed for fighting, dancing, love-making, and drollery, and so long associated with the name and character of the Irish people.

    Only a brief reference can here be made to the circumstances which led to the abolition of this historic festivity. For several

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Donnybrook, you are travelling through the grounds of what was once the most important fair in Ireland. Donnybrook Fair was established by Royal Charter in 1204 to compensate the Dublin citizens for the expense of building walls and defences around the city. For over six hundred years it was held in a low-lying field here, and became world-renowned for fighting, dancing, love-making, and drollery, long associated with the name and character of the Irish people. It is difficult now to realise that a deserted field could have held such a historic festivity.

33. Execution of Carroll's murderers at Terenure cross-roads

    Terenure · townland · Dublin · 1798

    Kelly, Rooney, and O'Donnell, gardeners who murdered Carroll, were publicly hanged at the Terenure cross-roads in November 1798, escorted by the Rathfarnham and Crumlin Cavalry, with the bloody shirt of the victim displayed before them.

    Read the passage

    " Yesterday were executed on Rathfarnham road, at the " entrance of the avenue leading to Rathgar and Rathmines, " Kelly, Rooney, and O'Donnell, who had been gardeners to " gentlemen in that neighbourhood, and had perpetrated a " most barbarous murder on a poor, inoffensive man, named " Carroll, carter to Charles Farren, Esq.

    " The above malefactors were conducted from Kilmainham " Jail along the Circular Road, and through Rathmines, to the " place of execution by the High Sheriff of the County of " DubHn, accompanied by troops of the Rathfarnham and " Crumlin Cavalry. The peasantry who were spectators " seemed to have no pity for them, and believed they were " guilty, though these criminals denied the fact. The bloody " shirt of poor Carroll, who had been murdered, was placed in " front of the cart before them on the way to the place of " execution. Just before they were turned off, Kelly and " Rooney shook hands ; the former appeared in much trepida- " tion. After hanging the usual time, they were cut down, " and their bodies conveyed to Surgeons' Hall for dissection, " consonant to the letter of the law."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 85

34. Frascati, residence of Lord Edward Fitzgerald

    Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1780–1804

    Frascati in Blackrock was the seaside seat of the Leinster family and the favourite residence of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, who lived there happily with his wife. After his death it passed through several owners and uses including a boarding school.

    Read the passage

    Perhaps the most interesting house from a historic point of view in this neighbourhood is Frascati, formerly the seaside seat of the Leinster family, and the favourite residence of the unfortunate Lord Edward Fitzgerald. Here he spent many happy years with his talented young wife, and appears to have been greatly attached to the locahty. After his death Frascati became the residence of the Dowager Duchess of Leinster, and was subsequently sold to Sir Henry Cavendish, Receiver- General for Ireland. In 1804 it became a boarding school, and afterwards underwent considerable alterations on being divided into two dwellinghouses.

    In 1787 the state of the Rock Road became so dangerous owing to highwaymen, that a special meeting of the Blackrock Association was held in Jennett's Tavern, with Lord Ranelagh in the chair, to consider the best means of ridding the road of

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Frascati, the seaside seat of the Leinster family and the favourite residence of Lord Edward Fitzgerald. He spent many happy years here with his talented young wife and was greatly attached to the place. After his death it became the residence of the Dowager Duchess of Leinster, and was then sold to Sir Henry Cavendish, Receiver-General for Ireland. In 1804 it became a boarding school, and afterwards was considerably altered when divided into two dwelling houses. The Rock Road nearby had its own troubles. In 1787 highwaymen made the road so dangerous that a special meeting of the Blackrock Association was held in Jennett's Tavern, with Lord Ranelagh in the chair, to consider the best means of ridding the road of them.

35. Garret, Earl of Kildare's defiant reply to Cardinal Wolsey (1524)

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1524

    As Warden of the Marches responsible for maintaining the Pale rampart, Garret, Earl of Kildare, Lord Deputy, gave a famous spirited reply in 1524 to charges from Cardinal Wolsey, describing his harsh frontier life defending against Irish borderers.

    Read the passage

    the stern realities of whose hfe are vividly depicted in the spirited reply of Garret, Earl of Kildare, Lord Deputy, to charges preferred against him in 1524 by Cardinal Wolsey : — " As touching my kingdom (my lord) ; I would you and I " had exchange kingdomes but for one moneth, I would trust " to gather up more crummes in that space than twice the " revenues of my poor earldom e ; but you are well and warme, '■ and so hold you, and upbraide me not with such an odious " storme. I sleepe in a cabbin when you lye soft in your bed " of downe ; I serve under the cope of heaven, when you " are served under a canopy ; I drinke water out of a skull " [helmet], when you drink [wine] out of golden cuppes ; " my courser is trained to the field, when your jennet is taught " to amble ; when you are begraced and belorded, and crowched, •' and kneeled unto, then I finde small grace with our Irish " borderers, except I cut them off by the knees."

    It is possible that along the line of border defined by the Statute of 1488, there may still remain many other portions of the Rampart besides those described herein, and it is to be hoped that the matter will be further investigated by persons living in the several localities.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 187

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are in the territory of the Earls of Kildare, who held the frontier of the Pale. In 1524, Garret, Earl of Kildare, Lord Deputy and Warden of the Marches, faced charges from Cardinal Wolsey and gave a reply that still carries its bite. He told Wolsey he would trade kingdoms for a month and gather more crumbs than twice the revenues of his earldom. "I sleepe in a cabbin when you lye soft in your bed of downe," he wrote. "I drinke water out of a skull, when you drink out of golden cuppes." His life was the open field against Irish borderers, while Wolsey was served under a canopy. He said he found small grace with those borderers unless he cut them off by the knees. The rampart he defended was defined by a statute of 1488, and portions of it may still survive along the old border.

36. Gold craze at Dalkey ends with phosphorescent cat prank

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin

    A gold-seeking craze took hold at Dalkey, until wags released two black cats covered in phosphorescent oil among the night-time treasure hunters, scattering them and ending the practice through ridicule.

    Read the passage

    her in dreams. Whei the craze had gone on for a time, some wags let loose among the operators at night, two black cats covered with phosphorescent oil, which scattered the gold seekers in all directions, and effectually put an end to the proceedings owing to the ridicule provoked by the incident.

    A land cra?,e immediately succeeded the gold fever, and a number of modern residences were soon afterwards erected at Dalkey, the old squatter tenants selling their holdings for high prices in consequence of the enhanced values produced by the construction of the railway.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 36

37. Haymakers seized by press-gang at the Pigeonhouse

    Pigeon House · site · Dublin · 1790

    In 1790, twenty-seven poor haymakers waiting at the Pigeonhouse to board a ship for England were seized by a press-gang and forced onto a tender, told they could mow down enemies instead of hay.

    Read the passage

    In The Dublin Chronicle of 3rd August, 1790, we read :— ■*' On Friday morning twenty-seven poor haymakers attending " at the Pigeonhouse in order to be put on board ship for " England, were seized by a press-gang and put on board a " tender — the commander of the press-gang telling them at " the same time that if they were able to mow hay, they could ■" have no objection to mow the enemies of their country, and ^* they should have passage, diet, &c., gratis." It is therefore not surprising that in another issue we learn : — " Yesterday " morning, at an early hour, a coach, in which some recruits ^' were being conveyed to the Pigeonhouse in order to be ^' embarked for England, was attacked at Ringsend by desperate " banditti armed with swords and pistols, who after wounding ^' the soldiers that accompanied the coach, rescued three of " the men from them."

    The Dublin Chronicle of 28th January, 1792, referring to a breach which had been made by a storm in the South Wall, says : — " Yesterday, his Grace the Duke of Le'.nster went on ■*' a sea party, and, after shooting the breach in Jie South Wall, ^' sailed over the Low Ground and the South Lotts, and landed " safely at Merrion Square. . . . Eoats ply with passengers " to Merrion Square."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 11

38. Maud Plunkett, maid wife and widow in one day at Malahide

    Malahide · town · Dublin

    A monument in the nave of Malahide Abbey commemorates Maud Plunkett, who was maid, wife and widow in one day after her husband was slain in a raid on their wedding day. The tragedy inspired Gerald Griffin's ballad 'The Bridal of Malahide.'

    Read the passage

    either as a vestry or a residence for the monks, but which for centuries past, has been used as the burial place of the lords of the manor. In the centre of the nave is a monument to the Honorable Maud Plunkett, who was maid, wife and widow in one daVj her husband, son of the Baron of Galtrim, having been slain on the day of his marriage in a predatory raid in the neighbourhood. This tragic incident forms the subject of Gerald Griffin's ballad, " The Bridal of Malahide." One of the pleasantest walks in this neighbourhood is to the top of Carrick or Malahide hill, which, although of inconsiderable elevation, affords extensive views over land and

    282 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF Dl'BLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 127

39. Moat of Clane and the legend of King Mesgegra

    Clane · town · Kildare

    The Moat of Clane is traditionally said to mark the grave of Mesgegra, King of Leinster, slain in single combat by Connall Cernach at the ford of Clane in the first century. Connall beheaded the king and later encountered his queen, who died of grief upon hearing the news.

    Read the passage

    A short distance south of the village, and immediately to the right of the road before reaching Clane Bridge, is the Moat of Clane, traditionally reputed to mark the grave of Mesgegra, King of Leinster, who, in the first century, was slain in single combat with Connall Cernach, a famous warrior of the Red Branch Knights, and champion of Ulster. At the ford of Clane, near where Clane Bridge now stands, these two warriors met, and after a brief combat, the Ulster champion beheaded the ill-fated Leinster King, and carried off his head 'in his chariot. Soon afterwards he met Queen Buan, the Royal ■consort of Mesgegra, attended by her retinites who, in reply

    CLANE

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 112

40. Murder of Father MacCartan near Lucan

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1807

    The Rev. James MacCartan was shot dead on Lucan hill on 3 June 1807 by a gang who had set out to rob a house at Lucan; he was killed after being seized by the throat and shot. The murderers Weir and Walsh were tried, convicted and executed on the spot where the crime was committed.

    Read the passage

    Thomas Weir and Christopher Walsh were indicted for the murder of the Rev. Mr. McCarthy near Lucan, on the 3rd of the current month, for that they, instigated by the devil, &c., did murder the said Mr. McCarthy, by lodging the contents of a pistol under his left breast, of the wound whereof he died. There was another count charging the prisoners with robbing the said Mr. McCarthy of — (i) a silver watch, and (2) ten shilHngs English. To both these counts the prisoners pleaded not guilty.

    The prisoners being asked had they any agents, Walsh announced he had no attorney but God Almighty.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Lucan, this is where the Reverend James MacCartan was shot dead on 3 June 1807. A gang had set out to rob a house at Lucan, and MacCartan was seized by the throat and shot on the hill. The two men charged, Thomas Weir and Christopher Walsh, were tried, convicted and executed on the very spot where the murder was committed. At the trial they were charged also with robbing MacCartan of a silver watch and ten shillings English. Walsh, asked if he had a lawyer, said he had no attorney but God Almighty.

41. Murder of Lord Kilwarden near Newlands during Emmet's rebellion

    Newlands · townland · Dublin · 1803

    Newlands, adjoining Belgard, was the former residence of Lord Kilwarden, Chief Justice of Ireland, who was murdered in 1803 during the insurrection led by Robert Emmet.

    Read the passage

    Adjoining Belgard, is Newlands, the former residence of Lord Kilwarden, Chief Justice of Ireland, who was murdered in 1803 during the insurrection of Robert Emmet.

    Turning to the right opposite the entrance to Belgard, in about a mile we reach the Naas road at the cross-roads called " The Shoulder of Mutton," from an inn which stood there in old times. The low ground here, lying immediately south of the Naas road was formerly a bog known as Mone Roodan. Here we turn to the left along the main road, and after about a mile and a half, turn to the right in order to visit the once famous Corkagh Powder Mills, the explosion at which in 1787 caused such general consternation for miles around. These mills, nine altogether, erected in 1783, were regarded as an important national undertaking, and although the expectations in regard to them were not fully realised, they gave a deal of employment in the neighbourhood. One of the proprietors, named, Arabin, lived in Corkagh House, adjoining, and, being very wealthy, the house was for some years the scene of considerable gaiety, and the rendezvous of frequent hunting parties in the season.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Newlands, the former residence of Lord Kilwarden, Chief Justice of Ireland. He was murdered in 1803 during the insurrection led by Robert Emmet. That is what the record gives us. Newlands adjoined Belgard, and it was from here that Kilwarden set out on the day he met his death. The rising Emmet led was small and brief, but it reached Kilwarden in the streets of Dublin, and he did not survive it. The house at Newlands stood as his home before that end came.

42. Siege of Baldongan Castle by Confederate forces, 1642

    Baldongan · street · Dublin · 1642

    In June 1642 Baldongan Castle was defended by the Confederates of the Pale against Parliamentary forces. Colonel Trafford besieged it with cannon, killed the roughly 200-strong garrison, and had two priest-defenders tortured on the rack before deporting them to France.

    Read the passage

    entitled New Intelligence' from Ireland, dated 17th June, 1642^ Colonel Trafford besieged it with cannon, and put all the garrison, about 200 in number, to the sword, while two priests who were among the defenders, were examined on the rack and afterwards deported to France.

    The following more detailed accounts of the siege appear in another tract or bulletin, undated, but evidently issued within a few days of the other : —

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 138

43. Sir Compton Domvile's water threat saves Lord Santry

    Templeogue · townland · Dublin · 1738

    When his nephew Lord Santry was condemned to death for murdering a servant in 1738, Sir Compton Domvile of Templeogue threatened to cut off Dublin's water supply, which was diverted through his grounds, unless the sentence was withdrawn.

    Read the passage

    The Domviles, when proprietors of this place, possessed or assumed the right of diverting the Avater from the old city watercourse which passed through their grounds ; and in connection with this matter, the story is told that Sir Compton Domvile, in 1738, when his nephew. Lord Santry, had been condemned to death for the murder of one of his servants, threatened, when all other means of intercession had failed, to cut off the entire water supply from the city if the sentence were carried out. This threat had the desired effect, and the noble murderer's escape was connived at by the authorities. No doubt the threat might easily have been put into execution, but the prospect of having the whole water supply of Dublin turned into his house and grounds could scarcely

    J09

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 100

44. Smuggling women near Bray Head disguised as pebble sellers

    near Bray Head · promontory · Wicklow

    An elderly woman and her daughter living near Bray Head ostensibly sold Wicklow pebbles but were really agents for smuggling craft; the mother, armed and fierce, amassed a fortune and once fought Preventive men.

    Read the passage

    The mother was a woman of great courage and strength of character, and always went about armed ; she was known to have amassed a considerable fortune by her operations, and was, at least on one occasion, engaged in an affray with the Preventive men. When she died many years afterwards, her daughter found herself a rich woman.

    SMUGGLERS— ^' THE BRANDY HOLE" 85

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 44

45. Wreck of the Queen Victoria at Casana Rock, 1853

    Casana Rock · rock or rocks · Dublin · 1853

    The steamship Queen Victoria struck Casana Rock during a dense snowstorm in the early hours of 15th February 1853, later sinking near the Bailey Lighthouse with about 60 passengers drowned including the captain, after negligence by the captain and mate.

    Read the passage

    This precipitous portion of the coast was the scene of a lamentable shipping disaster in 1853. The steamship Queen Victoria, on a voyage from Liverpool to Dublin, with about 100 passengers and cargo, struck on the southern side of the Casana rock daring a dense snowstorm, between 2 and 3 o'clock on the morning of the 15th February. Eight of the passengers managed to scramble overboard on to the rocks, from wliich they made their way up the cliffs to the Bailey Lighthouse. The captain, without further delay, ordered the vessel to be backed, so as to float her clear of the rocks,

    328 THE NEIGHBOURHO(M) OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 143

46. Bruce brothers encamp at Castleknock, 1317

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin · 1317

    In 1317 King Robert Bruce and his brother Edward, with an army of 20,000 men, encamped at Castleknock intending to besiege Dublin, but citizens burnt surrounding buildings, forcing them to abandon the siege and march on Limerick.

    Read the passage

    Towards the close of the 1 2th century Strongbow made a grant of the lands of Castleknock to his friend, Hugh Tyrrell, a distinguished warrior, who, on taking up possession, built a castle and assumed the title of Baron of Castleknock, held by his descendants for three hundred years. In 13 17 King Robert Bruce and his brother Edward, ^vith an army of 20,000 men, encamped here, intending to besiege Dublin, but owing to the energetic measures adopted by the citizens, who burnt all the houses and buildings outside the city walls, the besiegers, deprived of all shelter, abandoned their project and marched on liimerick instead. In 1642 Colonel Monk, afterwards Earl of -Albemarle, with a body of Parliamentarians, took the castle by assault, some eighty of the defenders being slain, and many more hanged on surrender. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, in command of a Royalist force, retook the castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong force of cavalrj^ sent to the assistance of the garrison. The castle fell into decay about the time of the Restoration,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, King Robert Bruce and his brother Edward set up camp in 1317 with an army of 20,000 men, meaning to besiege Dublin. The citizens of Dublin took energetic measures, burning all the houses and buildings outside the city walls. Deprived of shelter, the Bruces abandoned the siege and marched on Limerick instead. Castleknock had a castle here too, built by Hugh Tyrrell, who received the lands from Strongbow towards the close of the 12th century and held the title Baron of Castleknock for his descendants. Later, in 1642, Colonel Monk stormed the castle with a body of Parliamentarians, and about 80 of the defenders were slain, with many more hanged on surrender. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde retook the castle from the Parliamentarians for the Royalists, after defeating a strong force of cavalry sent to help the garrison. The castle fell into decay around the time of the Restoration.

47. The disappearance and murder of John Kinlan

    Bohernabreena · townland · Dublin

    John Kinlan, steward to Ponsonby Shaw of Friarstown, was ambushed and apparently murdered by the Kearneys near Bohernabreena; a bloody hatchet with hair resembling Kinlan's was found near the Kearneys' house, though his body was never recovered and was believed buried in a nearby bog.

    Read the passage

    appearance, were heard to say that they would have his life. A hatchet was found in tlie vicinity of the Kearneys' house with blood on it, and hair that resembled Kinlan's, but the body was never found, and it was said at the time that it was burnt to ashes. It is more probable, however, that it was buried in one of the bogs in the neighbourhood.

    On the night of the murder, Kinlan was in the house of one of Shaw's gamekeepers, who remonstrated strongly with him as to the folly of going home alone and his refusal to accept an armed escort of his friends. He, however, ridiculed the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 99

48. Battle of Clontarf, 1014, and the Fishing Weir site

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

    The district around Clontarf was the scene of the great battle in 1014 in which the Danes were vanquished by the Irish under King Brian Boru. Old sagas call it 'The Battle of the Fishing Weir of Clontarf,' with the weir believed to have occupied the same site as the existing one near the Dublin Whiskey Distillery at Richmond Road.

    Read the passage

    \ll this district is of great historic interest as the scene of the great battle in 1014, at which the Danes were completely vanquished by the Irish under King Brian Boru ; but this battle has been so exhaustively dealt with elsewhere as to render unnecessary any description of it here. It may, however, be mentioned that, in some of the old sagas the battle is styled " The Battle of the Fishing Weir of Clontarf," and that there is little doubt that this weir occupied the same site as the existing one near the Dublin \^ hiskey Distillery

    CLOXTARF ISI,.\ND 249

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

49. Battle of Tyrrell's Pass, 1597

    Tyrrellspass · town · Westmeath · 1597

    An Anglo-Irish contingent commanded by young Barnewall of Trimblestown was lured by Richard Tyrrell into a narrow pass through a bog and routed, with Barnewall taken prisoner and sent to the Earl of Tyrone.

    Read the passage

    In 1597 the son of Lord Trimblestovvn was appointed to command a contingent of Anglo-Irish assembled at Mullingar for serA-ice against Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. Richard Tyrrell, a gentleman of English descent, was selected by O'Neill to take the field against this contingent. The result was the battle of Tyrrell's Pass, where by i! feint retreat, Tyrrell lured the Anglo-Irish into a narrow pass through a bog, and then fell upon them front and rear. An utter rout followed, the Anglo-Irish force was all but annihilated, and their commander, young Barnevvall, was taken prisoner and sent in custody to the Earl of Tyrone.

    During the troubles of 1641, Patrick Barnewall, of Kilbrew, one of the most influential and respected gentlemen of the Pale, surrendered himself to the Earl of Ormonde and received a safe conduct to Dublin, but nevertheless, on his arrival at the Castle, he was imprisoned and put on the rack, which torture he endured, according to Leland the historian, with so steady an avowal of his innocence, supported by abundant evidence, that the Lords Justices became ashamed of their cruelty, and to make amends to this unfortunate gentleman, permitted him to reside in Dublin, and took steps to protect his estate from spoliation by the soldiery. In the same year the Barnewalls took an important part in the muster on the hill of Tara, of the Catholic gentry of the Pale, to protest against the intolerant government of Lords Justices Parsons and Borlase at Dublin Castle.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 136

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Tyrrellspass, the town that gives its name to a battle fought in 1597. That year, the son of Lord Trimblestown was appointed to command a contingent of Anglo-Irish troops assembled at Mullingar for service against Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. O'Neill chose Richard Tyrrell, a gentleman of English descent, to take the field against them. Tyrrell made a feint retreat and drew the Anglo-Irish force into a narrow pass through a bog. Then he fell on them from front and rear. It was an utter rout. The force was all but annihilated, and young Barnewall, their commander, was taken prisoner and sent in custody to the Earl of Tyrone. The pass and the battle have carried Tyrrell's name ever since. Decades later, in 1641, another Patrick Barnewall, of Kilbrew, one of the most influential and respected gentlemen of the Pale, surrendered himself to the Earl of Ormonde and received a safe conduct to Dublin. But on arrival at the Castle he was imprisoned and put on the rack. The historian Leland says he endured the torture with so steady an avowal of his innocence, supported by abundant evidence, that the Lords Justices became ashamed of their cruelty. They let him reside in Dublin and took steps to protect his estate from the soldiery. That same year the Barnewalls joined the muster on the hill of Tara, where the Catholic gentry of the Pale protested against the intolerant government of Lords Justices Parsons and Borlase at Dublin Castle.

50. Brian Boru's funeral procession rests at Swords monastery

    Swords · town · Dublin · 1014

    After the Battle of Clontarf, the bodies of King Brian Boru and his son Morrough were conveyed in procession from Dublin and deposited overnight in the ancient monastery at Swords on their way to burial in Armagh.

    Read the passage

    One of the most notable events in the history of Swords is the funeral of King Brian Boru and his son Morrough, after the Battle of Clontarf, when the bodies of these warriors were conveyed in solemn procession from Dublin, and deposited for the night in the ancient monastery here, on the way to their final destination in Armagh.

    According to the ancient records. Swords was burnt by the Danes in 1012, 1016, 1130, 1138, 1150, and 1166 A.D. ; and in 1 185 it was taken and sacked by O'Melaghlin, King of Meath. It must, consequently, have been a much more livelv place of residence in those days than at the present time.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 130

51. Destruction of the Kildare hounds at Poulaphuca, 1813

    Poulaphuca · townland · Clare · 1813

    In November 1813 the Kildare hunt chased a fox which leapt across the gorge at Poulaphuca; it slipped into the torrent, and twenty-five hounds jumped in after it and were swept away and killed in the flood below the falls.

    Read the passage

    the river passed between two large rocks, and attempted to jump from one to the other, but lost his footing, and was precipitated into the torrent below. Twenty-five hounds who were leading at the time, with desperate resolution, jumped in after him, and were carried away by the flood.

    When the writer of the article from which this account is taken, and Grennan, the huntsman, reached the bank of the river, fox and hounds were all in one struggling melee in the foaming eddies under the fall, some killed in the descent, others maimed but still alive, one of which latter succeeded in landing, though in an exhausted condition. The fox, the cause of all the trouble, also managed to reach the bank, though whether he escaped with his life does not transpire. Even if he failed to do so, however, it must have been a source of great consolation to him in his last moments to know that his death was being so well avenged.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

52. Execution of Weir and Walsh at the murder site

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1807

    After conviction, Weir and Walsh were sentenced to death by Judge Daly and hanged the next morning at the spot near Lucan where they had murdered Father MacCartan, following the custom of the time.

    Read the passage

    The murderers were executed, according to the usual custom of the time, on the spot where the crime was committed. Weir was only nineteen years of age and Walsh thirty-four. The three other members of the gang were never apprehended, and probably escaped abroad.

    It may be here mentioned that the left hand road, on which the tram runs, was not in existence at tlie time of the tragedy.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Lucan, this is where Weir and Walsh were hanged in 1807, on the spot where they had murdered Father MacCartan. Weir was 19 and Walsh was 34. Three other members of the gang were never caught and probably escaped abroad. The road with the tram was not there at the time of the tragedy.

53. Horse-jumping custom at Donnybrook Fair

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin · 1800–1855

    At Donnybrook Fair it was customary that no horse could be sold until its owner jumped it across a specially constructed mud wall and ditch, providing rough entertainment as amateur riders fell repeatedly.

    Read the passage

    The equine portion of the Fair, the ostensible reason for its existence, was at one time a source of much amusement to the thousands who attended it. It was a recognised custom that no horse was to be offered for sale until the owner jumped it across a mud wall and ditch specially constructed for the purpose, and the falls and vicissitudes of these amateur jockeys, as they mounted again and again, battered and torn, on their unfortunate mounts, were greeted with noisy enthusiasm. Many of these miserable quadrupeds were in reality more fitted for the glue factory or the cats'-meat man than the steeplechase, though occasionally, when goaded to madness by a drunken rider, one of them would develop amazing energy, running amuck, scattering the people in all directions, and sometimes even capsizing tents, causing endless uproar and confusion among the inmates — horse, rider, tent, musicians and all becoming tangled up together in one mad medley.

    Numerous were the varieties and types of beggars that attended — crutched, wooden-legged, blind, deaf and dumb, and deformed — many of them artfully faked up for the occasion, who contrived, so long as they had the sense to keep sober, to deceive the unpractised eye and draw largely on the generosity of the public. Few of them, however, were proof against the temptations that everywhere confronted them, and thus it was not an unusual sight, towards evening, to see one of these worthies who erstwhile had been hobbling about on crutch or wooden leg, now using it with disastrous effect upon his adversaries in one of the shindies.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Donnybrook parish, you are passing through the ground of the old Donnybrook Fair. The horse trade was the ostensible reason the fair existed, and for a time it gave great amusement to the thousands who attended. There was a recognised custom that no horse could be offered for sale until its owner jumped it across a mud wall and ditch specially constructed for the purpose. The falls and misfortunes of these amateur jockeys, mounting again and again, battered and torn, on their unfortunate mounts, were greeted with noisy enthusiasm. Many of these miserable animals were in reality more fitted for the glue factory or the cats'-meat man than the steeplechase. Occasionally, when goaded to madness by a drunken rider, one would develop amazing energy, running amuck, scattering the people in all directions, and sometimes capsizing tents, causing endless uproar and confusion. Horse, rider, tent, musicians and all would become tangled together in one mad medley. Numerous varieties of beggars attended, crutched, wooden-legged, blind, deaf and dumb, and deformed, many of them artfully faked up for the occasion. So long as they kept sober, they deceived the unpractised eye and drew largely on the generosity of the public. Few, however, were proof against the temptations that everywhere confronted them. Towards evening it was not an unusual sight to see one of these worthies who had been hobbling about on crutch or wooden leg now using it with disastrous effect upon his adversaries in one of the shindies.

54. Lundy Foot builds Orlagh and pursues Kearneys' murder trial

    Orlagh · townland · Dublin · 1790–1816

    Lundy Foot, the celebrated snuff manufacturer, built Orlagh House around 1790 and, as an active magistrate, was instrumental in bringing to justice the three Kearneys, who were hanged at Bohernabreena in 1816 for murdering the gamekeeper of Friarstown.

    Read the passage

    Half a mile to the north-east is Orlagh College, formerly Footmount, now owned by the Augustinian Fathers, and easily identified by its spire peeping above the surrounding woods. This house was built about 1790 by JVIr. Lundy Foot, the celebrated snuff manufacturer, of Westmoreland Street and Essex Street, Avho subsequently altered the name to Orlagh. He was an active magistrate, and as such was instrumental in bringing to justice the three Kearneys, who were hanged at Bohernabreena in 1 8 16 for the murder of the gamekeeper of Friarstown. He was afterwards fired at, receiving desperate injuries, from which, however, he recovered, and ultimately was murdered in 1835 °^ ^^^ estate at Rosbercon, in the County Kilkenny, it was supposed by some relatives of the Kearneys, although this was only surmise, as the murderers were never discovered. His remains were some years afterwards removed to St. Matthew's Church, Irishtown, where a tombstone records the manner of his death.

    This Lundy Foot constructed the road from Ballycullen House to the entrance gate of Orlagh, and planted the fine woods around the house, as well as the trees on the roads adjoining it. After he went to the County Kilkenny, Orlagh was taken by Carew O'Dwyer, a prominent citizen and social figure in his div, \vho built a large banquetting hall in the house, and entertained with lavish hospitality.^

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 61

55. The Brandy Hole smugglers' cavern at Bray Head

    near Bray Head · promontory · Wicklow

    Half a mile along the shore from Bray Head was an immense cavern called 'The Brandy Hole', with an entrance opening to the sea and ramifications extending under the hill, used to store smuggled cargo; a concealed shaft connected it to an upper chamber accessible from land.

    Read the passage

    The natural conformation of the coast around Bray Head lent itself readily to the adaptation of places of concealment, of which there were several, but the principal one was that known as " The Brandy Hole," half a mile along the shore from where the road crosses the railway on the Head. Here was an immense cavern, with its entrance opening to the sea, and its many ramifications extending far in under the hill, affording ample accommodation for the cargoes of all the vessels plying their risky trade here. Into this great natural storehouse, fully laden boats were easily able to make their way by the light of lanterns, and discharge their contents high and dry into the numerous receptacles prepared for them.

    Immediately over this cavern, and adjoining the rude goat track that then encircled the Head, was a shaft sunk in a slanting direction into the earth, communicating with another subterraneous chamber — a sort of second storey to the lower one — but showing no trace of its existence on the surface, as the entrance was carefully concealed by a thick groAvth of brambles and bracken. This provided for the initiated a ready means of access from the land to the cavern, which was furnished where necessary with steps and platforms wherebv a person above could, b\^ means of a rope, assist those below to

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 44

56. Lundy Foot of Orlagh and his role in the Kinlan case

    Orlagh · townland · Dublin

    Lundy Foot, of the well-known tobacco firm, an energetic magistrate residing at Orlagh, took a prominent part in investigating and prosecuting the Kinlan murder case; his own murder nineteen years later at Rosbercon was attributed by many to revenge for this prosecution.

    Read the passage

    Lundy Foot, of the well knoAvn tobacco firm, an energetic magistrate in this neighbourhood, residing at Orlagh, took a prominent part in the investigation and prosecution of this case, and his own murder, which took place at Rosbercon, Co. Kilkenny, nineteen years afterwards, was by many attributed to motives of revenge on the part of friends or relatives of the condemned men {See Index).

    The three Kearneys were, after conviction, brought out from town, escorted by a troop of dragoons, to the field in which the gallo^vs had been erected, and their remains were conveyed back the same day tc Kilmainham Gaol where they were buried.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 99

57. Baggotrath Castle and the Battle of Rathmines

    near Baggotrath · townland · Dublin · 1649

    Baggotrath Castle, seat of the Bagot family from the 13th century, played an important part in the 1649 Battle of Rathmines where Royalist forces under the Marquess of Ormonde were defeated by Parliamentary garrison forces under Colonel Michael Jones. The ruin later became a haunt for highwaymen.

    Read the passage

    This castle played an important part in the Battle of Rathmines (see Index), where in August, 1649, the Royalist forces under command of the Marquess, afterwards Duke of Ormonde, were decisively defeated by the Parliamentary garrison of Dublin, commanded by Colonel Michael Jones.

    For a long time after the battle, the ruin was a resort of desperadoes and highwaymen, and was considered a dangerous place to pass after dusk.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Baggotrath Castle, seat of the Bagot family since the 13th century. In August 1649 it played an important part in the Battle of Rathmines, where Royalist forces under the Marquess of Ormonde were decisively defeated by the Parliamentary garrison of Dublin, commanded by Colonel Michael Jones. After the battle, the ruin became a resort of highwaymen, and was considered a dangerous place to pass after dusk.

58. Battle of Evora at Howth, 1177

    Howth · townland · Dublin · 1177

    Sir Armoricus Tristram and Sir John De Courcy sailed to Howth in 1177 and fought a fierce battle against Danish pirates at the Bridge of Evora over the Bloody Stream. Tristram's victory, won on the Feast of St. Laurence, led his family to adopt the name St. Lawrence.

    Read the passage

    rests on no very certain authority, and that the entire circumstances connected with the landing and battle at Evora are involved in consiaerable obscurity : — " They landed at Howth " and there fought a cruell fight by the side of a bridge, where " Sir John De Courcy, being sickly, tarried about the shippe. " Sir Armoricus, being chieftaine and generall of the field " by land, behaved himselfe most worthily. Many were " slaine on both sides, but Sir Armoricus got the victory, with " the losse of seven of his owne blood, sonnes, uncles, and

    Howth and Tower Hill, (igoo.j

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 143

59. Belgard Castle and the Talbot family's centuries of conflict

    Belgard · townland · Dublin · 1400–1697

    Belgard, seat of the Talbots of Belgard from the 15th century, withstood 600 years of war and time; John Talbot sided with the Confederate Catholics and had his estates forfeited before being restored at the Restoration, and Colonel John Talbot fought at the Boyne and Aughrim for James II.

    Read the passage

    From this point the lane winds in a very irregular fashion until it meets the road from Tallaght to Clondalkin, opposite the entrance to Belgard, a place of considerable historic interest, where, in a commanding position on the summit of a wooded eminence, the modern Castle of Belgard rises majestically on the site of its ancient predecessor, a structure which for 600 years withstood the ravages of time no less than the assaults of war. The locality is inseparably associated with a branch of the Talbot family, known as the Talbots of Belgard, who, so far back as the 15th century, were in occupation of the castle, and had frequently to defend it against forays by ::he mountaineers.

    In the time of Charles the First and during the Commonwealth, John Talbot of Belgard, took sides with the Confederate Catholics, and his estates were consequently forfeited, after wdiich he followed the adherents of the monarchy into exile and rendered distinguished service in the war in Flanders. On the Restoration the estates were restored to the family " for reason known unto the King in an especial manner " meriting his grace and favour." At the war of the Revolution, Colonel John Talbot of Belgard espoused the cause of James II., and fought at the battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, and the estates would no doubt have been forfeited a second time but for the fact that Colonel Talbot was included in the Articles of the Treaty of Limerick. As his age precluded him from going abroad with his comrades in arms, he retired to the seclusion of Belgard, where he passed his remaining years in the ease and comfort to which his adventurous and distinguished career had entitled him.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Belgard, somewhere around here, stands the modern Castle of Belgard, rising on the site of its ancient predecessor on a wooded eminence. The old structure withstood 600 years of war and time. This place is inseparably tied to the Talbots of Belgard, who held the castle as far back as the 15th century and defended it against forays by the mountaineers. In the time of Charles the First and during the Commonwealth, John Talbot of Belgard sided with the Confederate Catholics. His estates were forfeited, and he followed the monarchy's adherents into exile, rendering distinguished service in the war in Flanders. On the Restoration, the estates were restored to the family, as the record says, "for reason known unto the King in an especial manner meriting his grace and favour." At the war of the Revolution, Colonel John Talbot of Belgard took up the cause of James II and fought at the battles of the Boyne and Aughrim. The estates would have been forfeited a second time, but Colonel Talbot was included in the Articles of the Treaty of Limerick. His age kept him from going abroad with his comrades in arms, so he retired to Belgard and passed his remaining years there.

60. Burning of Downshire mansion at Blessington during the 1798 rebellion

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    During the 1798 rebellion, insurgents burned the handsome mansion of the Marquess of Downshire near Blessington village; the house was never rebuilt and remains in ruins. The Marquess later received £15,000 compensation at the Union for loss of parliamentary representation.

    Read the passage

    was awarded at the Union. This sum was paid to the Marquess of Downshire who had sustained serious loss in 1798 through the burning by the insurgents of his handsome mansion, situated with its demesne and deer park, a Httle to the west of the village. The house was never rebuilt, and it still remains in ruins. During the troubles of 1798 the church was used as a barrack for a garrison, temporarily maintained there for the protection of the locality.

    The Compleat Irish Traveller (1788), contains the following reference to this place : — " Blessington, a pleasant place on a " rising ground. The church is very neat, and well kept, " with a sweet ring of bells, a thing not very commonly met " in this Kingdoni. The town is neither large nor rich, but " its chief ornament is the seat of a worthy nobleman, that bears " the title of Lord Blessington, whose house is at the end " of an avenue to the left of the road, with a noble large terrace " walk, a quarter of an English mile in length, that leads to the " church in the town, across the road Avhich faces the house."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 168

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Blessington in Wicklow, you are near the site of a mansion burned in the 1798 rebellion. A 1788 travel guide described Blessington as a pleasant place on rising ground, with a neat church and a sweet ring of bells, rare in this kingdom. The town was neither large nor rich, but its chief ornament was the seat of the Marquess of Downshire, at the end of an avenue with a terrace walk a quarter of a mile long. In 1798, insurgents burned his handsome house, which stood with its demesne and deer park a little to the west of the village. The house was never rebuilt and still remains in ruins. During the troubles, the church was used as a barrack for a garrison maintained for the protection of the locality. At the Union, the Marquess received 15000 pounds compensation for his loss.